Independence Day (1996) is one of my all time favorite films. As I rewatched the film just last night, I realized, to be a girl is to have a crush on Mr. Charismatic, Will Smith, Captain Steve Hiller, to become a woman is to love Jeff Goldbulm’s David Levison. To be fair, I love both characters and have watched Independence Day at least once a year my entire life since 1996. Whoa… that’s at the bare minimum of 20 times. Needless to say, I was very excited for Independence Day 2: Resurgence to soar into theaters and got the chance to see it opening day on Friday.
ID4 2 delivers edge of the seat fun, 20 years after Levison and Captain Hiller defeat the aliens that came to pillage the earth for their own reasons that never really become clear until we get the sequel. It is very entertaining to watch almost all of our favorite characters come back to continue a story line that we have all come to know and love, and most likely quote in regular day conversation and then not have other people understand, then you sigh and die a little inside, but know that there has to be someone out there who would have understood the reference. Then you smile a little. Because now you have another installment of one of your favorite story worlds.
I will admit, it was just a bit lack luster without my main man Will Smith. For those of you reading who did not know, Smith and Director Ronald Emmerich did want Captain Hiller to be reprised, but unfortunately Smith had scheduling conflicts with Suicide Squad. The movie would have been better with, but going in knowing how they “killed off” his character and the reason behind it, made that pill easier to swallow.
Nearly all other characters made an appearance in the sequel, aside from Constance Spano, Margret Colin. No explanation on her disappearance is given, so if you heard why, please comment below and put an end to my curiosity. It is great seeing all of them come back though, they remain the same, yet changed by time and the war they successfully won 20 years ago which scarred President Whitmore, Bill Pulman, more than we would have preferred to see.
The years had not been kind to Whitmore
The strides that technology have made have only improved what the filmmakers were able to create. You become transported to this false, current world we could all live in. For once, this film would actually be good in 3D if you can stomach that. I can, partner can’t, so we watched it in regular 2D. There are some killer scenes that would look hella impressive with some 3D specs.
ID4 2 is a wonderful continuation of a world we’re all a bit familiar with; tears are shed, laughter is had, and some grade A fear is had during this 2 hourish film that deserves about 6.5 stars. It’s not as great as its’ predecessor, but it is still pretty darn good. I’d see it in theaters for sure, and just go in with mediocre standards and you should be more than impressed and happy with the final turnout. There is some jaw dropping moments that are well worth the big screen ticket price (like the below).
Clearly I couldn’t find a picture of the Queen Alien. So you get this instead. You’re welcome.
